Today, was Nicole's day! Something that all mother's look forward to and dream about (next to their wedding and birth of their children). Breanne (one bridesmaid) and Leah (another bridesmaid) helped put on Nicole's wedding shower today. It was marvelous with almost 30 ladies there. A big thank you to all my dear friends that brought some wonderful food to help with the celebration (after all a women's get-together always goes well with food)! Nicole was literally moved to tears with some of her gifts and seeing some of the ladies there. We had invited a lady Patti, (her daughter and mother-in-law)- Patti was Nicole's babysitter when we moved to Calgary many years ago. Nicole has stayed in touch with the family but she never thought about us putting them on the shower invite list. So what a pleasant surprise for her.
I got to meet Nicole's mother-in-law to be, and what a nice lady. This lady is afraid of groups and has a phobia so it was nice to meet her and tell her that it's okay if she can't come into the room...she did, after her daughter arrived. She also told me that Nicole has been a special gift in her life for all that she has done to help her over come her phobia. As well, Nicole called her mom for the first time yesterday, when she put on a surprise 60th birthday dinner at her house. She said that no one has ever done that for her...now there's a warm, fuzzy feeling of good will towards a person that needs to be cared for. I know my daughter and I know that these kind gestures come from her heart and in wanting to help someone in need.
So I've got one big event done and a couple more to do before this year is finished. I know that with God on my side, good friends that care about me, my loving and supportive husband, that I can get through a couple more events. I love my children dearly and no one or nobody will take away the joys that I will be celebrating with them. I stand my ground in my beliefs as well I stand before anyone that dares to question these decisions. I believe that I am a deep,caring, supportive person for anyone that I encounter and all I ask is for the same respect.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Anyone Got Another Daytimer?
Okay, the title might be a give away as to what is going on in our lives. Between 3 babies due this fall; 3 close family members with cancer; planning 1 wedding & 1 (sad) funeral; going to a couple of weddings; bridal showers; baby showers....I don't think there is enough pages in my current day timer. I'm excited about the grand babies as I have been able to help with 3 nurseries (if you count the one in our house - okay not a full nursery, but a crib with all the trimmings). But Todd & Michelle are expecting and I think that after having had 2 other babies, they don't require my help with decorating.
So Jack went to Saskatoon last night (I fly out tonight) to spend a couple days with his boys. I went to Breanne & Marc's place to wash walls & blinds so that we could apply decals to her nursery. The theme is "Girl Safari" and she has all kinds of elephants, giraffe's, hippos' and they are all in a mauve, pink safari color...quite awesome. Nicole & Cecil did their theme in the traditional Winnie the Pooh (took after my theme) and have a beautiful light green walls, so that their "son" isn't overwhelmed with a lot of blue. These babies will be well taken care of as well a whole lot of love to be given.
Saskatoon will be a quick trip for us to each spend time with our families. I plan to spend most of Friday (6 hours) at the Cancer clinic visiting with my dad as he undergoes his third round of chemo. My mom will be there with him and we will be sharing the end of the day going out to dinner for her 71st birthday. I know that my youngest brother, Mark will be joining us and so it will be a small celebration. Saturday has Jack and I visiting a bit with the family and then we must head back to Calgary to start our busy week up again for another adventure.
For those folks that were keeping track of my dear, sweet uncle that lives in Edmonton, with brain cancer. We have been up twice in the past month to help plan his funeral. And each time we leave Edmonton, we think that it will be the last time of seeing him on earth. Well, miracles happen and somewhere between 2-4 days after we leave, he rallies and is even better than the last time. The medical prognosis was that he would have 3-4 months to live and he is nearing the end of the three months. So only God knows when his time here on earth will come to an end, so we just savor every minute that we get to spend with him. Family is such a blessing. And with that I will end it by saying, most of our families are so precious to us. Whether we happen to be born into them or are fortunate enough to be adopted into them. That doesn't mean we love either family any less, it just means that we get the benefit of 2 families to love us and for us to love them. For some folks they think that the person they raised will love them less, or worse leave them because they have found a "biological family" and yes it is "biological". But if you really know that person you raised, you would know that they would not ever leave or love you less. It just means that this is a brand new set of folks that are related by blood and I'm sure a sense of connection that felt was missing in their lives. Let me get off my soap box by saying that 2 dear people that I know have just recently found their birth mothers. They are both excited for the fact that they have more siblings, and at least 1 birth parent. I believe that if God's plan was for them to be, first, given up by a mother that knew deep in her heart that she couldn't provide for them; and two, to allow each person to find that parent, then God has done his job by making the circle of life complete. I love both of you and want you to know that both Jack and I support you with your decisions to find your birth families. We are here for you both to love & encourage you.
So Jack went to Saskatoon last night (I fly out tonight) to spend a couple days with his boys. I went to Breanne & Marc's place to wash walls & blinds so that we could apply decals to her nursery. The theme is "Girl Safari" and she has all kinds of elephants, giraffe's, hippos' and they are all in a mauve, pink safari color...quite awesome. Nicole & Cecil did their theme in the traditional Winnie the Pooh (took after my theme) and have a beautiful light green walls, so that their "son" isn't overwhelmed with a lot of blue. These babies will be well taken care of as well a whole lot of love to be given.
Saskatoon will be a quick trip for us to each spend time with our families. I plan to spend most of Friday (6 hours) at the Cancer clinic visiting with my dad as he undergoes his third round of chemo. My mom will be there with him and we will be sharing the end of the day going out to dinner for her 71st birthday. I know that my youngest brother, Mark will be joining us and so it will be a small celebration. Saturday has Jack and I visiting a bit with the family and then we must head back to Calgary to start our busy week up again for another adventure.
For those folks that were keeping track of my dear, sweet uncle that lives in Edmonton, with brain cancer. We have been up twice in the past month to help plan his funeral. And each time we leave Edmonton, we think that it will be the last time of seeing him on earth. Well, miracles happen and somewhere between 2-4 days after we leave, he rallies and is even better than the last time. The medical prognosis was that he would have 3-4 months to live and he is nearing the end of the three months. So only God knows when his time here on earth will come to an end, so we just savor every minute that we get to spend with him. Family is such a blessing. And with that I will end it by saying, most of our families are so precious to us. Whether we happen to be born into them or are fortunate enough to be adopted into them. That doesn't mean we love either family any less, it just means that we get the benefit of 2 families to love us and for us to love them. For some folks they think that the person they raised will love them less, or worse leave them because they have found a "biological family" and yes it is "biological". But if you really know that person you raised, you would know that they would not ever leave or love you less. It just means that this is a brand new set of folks that are related by blood and I'm sure a sense of connection that felt was missing in their lives. Let me get off my soap box by saying that 2 dear people that I know have just recently found their birth mothers. They are both excited for the fact that they have more siblings, and at least 1 birth parent. I believe that if God's plan was for them to be, first, given up by a mother that knew deep in her heart that she couldn't provide for them; and two, to allow each person to find that parent, then God has done his job by making the circle of life complete. I love both of you and want you to know that both Jack and I support you with your decisions to find your birth families. We are here for you both to love & encourage you.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Double Blessed
Jack and I got to experience pictures of Nicole & Breanne's babies in 4D ultrasound. My goodness how technology has changed since I had my children. Nicole sent us all the still pictures of her "son" - my grandson! I can't believe that I said "grandson". We have had so many of Jack's kids having 'granddaughters' that is seems like only other people have boys.
Well today, Breanne & Marc invited several of us to go to the ultrasound place and actually watch the 4D on a large monitor. We got to see the baby moving around, sucking (it's) thumb; pull up on it's legs and then after much anticipation we were finally told that it was a "girl" - a granddaughter. Some how this seems different and I guess in some way it is. Even though his granddaughters are very perfect in the way that we expect grandchild en to be, it's not the same thing as having your own flesh and blood be expecting parents. Together we have always said that by the end of 2009 we will have 10 grandchildren between us.
Both girls wanted exactly what they are getting - but then who's to say that either of technician's are correct. They both told the girls that nothing is 100% ... of course Marc asked for another viewing to make sure. And the technician went through the body parts again to say that she saw no "little boy parts". You have never seen so many women crying all at one time..I guess that the much anticipated words of "it's a girl" was to over whelming. I can only imagine what the delivery room will be (if I get the chance to be in there or near it) to hear those words again. But truly folks, what we really want for both girls is to deliver healthy, happy babies (no matter what sex) and that God will give each set of parents the needed skills to bring these children into the world as functioning future leaders. God, I thank you for allowing me to see such pleasure on my daughter's faces and to see what true miracles you create. No one can tell me that these beautiful babies are anything but your beautiful creations.
Well today, Breanne & Marc invited several of us to go to the ultrasound place and actually watch the 4D on a large monitor. We got to see the baby moving around, sucking (it's) thumb; pull up on it's legs and then after much anticipation we were finally told that it was a "girl" - a granddaughter. Some how this seems different and I guess in some way it is. Even though his granddaughters are very perfect in the way that we expect grandchild en to be, it's not the same thing as having your own flesh and blood be expecting parents. Together we have always said that by the end of 2009 we will have 10 grandchildren between us.
Both girls wanted exactly what they are getting - but then who's to say that either of technician's are correct. They both told the girls that nothing is 100% ... of course Marc asked for another viewing to make sure. And the technician went through the body parts again to say that she saw no "little boy parts". You have never seen so many women crying all at one time..I guess that the much anticipated words of "it's a girl" was to over whelming. I can only imagine what the delivery room will be (if I get the chance to be in there or near it) to hear those words again. But truly folks, what we really want for both girls is to deliver healthy, happy babies (no matter what sex) and that God will give each set of parents the needed skills to bring these children into the world as functioning future leaders. God, I thank you for allowing me to see such pleasure on my daughter's faces and to see what true miracles you create. No one can tell me that these beautiful babies are anything but your beautiful creations.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hide' N Seek
Okay when you really want to find or see something and that other person doesn't want to be found...isn't there a message hidden in that? Breanne & Marc went for their ultrasound today and left being disappointed that they couldn't find out the gender of their baby - okay only one of them left disappointed as the other one does not want to know. The technician was even frustrated as she was unable (2nd time around)to get some of the readings that she needed to get. What should of taken 20 minutes, took 1 unsuccessful hour. The baby in the pictures that they got even gestured with their index finger to go away and then proceeded to roll onto his/her tummy and go into recluse. Me, I really wanted to know but when I think back to having my kids this wasn't even an option. Actually you took life the way it came - boy or girl is what you waited to hear the doctor say. Today some of the young people want everything - they want the perfect nursery with the right colors and they want all the proper clothes hanging in the closet. Me - I hung a knit baby dress for all three kids in their closet just because someone told me that it was for good luck. What's good luck - I have three great kids (2 girls & 1 boy) and I wouldn't change things for the world. Whether or not I was told in advance of their births I still wouldn't change their birth order or who they are or who they have become. I love them all the same and respect their choices for future spouses.
However next week is another test of endurance and patience for all of us as we await to see what God will give us. Me, I just want a healthy, happy, well adjusted crying (hopefully no colic) grand baby that makes our hearts melt when we hold them. I want to praise God for making this happen and be grateful for the moment which I know will last a life time as this is another phase of my life that I have looked forward to. Life just can't get any better.
However next week is another test of endurance and patience for all of us as we await to see what God will give us. Me, I just want a healthy, happy, well adjusted crying (hopefully no colic) grand baby that makes our hearts melt when we hold them. I want to praise God for making this happen and be grateful for the moment which I know will last a life time as this is another phase of my life that I have looked forward to. Life just can't get any better.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Today I arrived home and in time to celebrate with Jack on Father's Day. We always tease each other that he's not my father and I'm not his mother (and the fact that we don't have children together) but we still share with one another and feel blessed that we can experience the joy of parenthood together.
I was on my five hour flight (direct) from Newark and I'm glad to be home. However, I'm glad that I went there and was with my sister to support them in whatever way I could. My brother-in-law, Steph is home from the hospital and now we are just waiting the results of more bad looking lymph nodes. The surgeon told Steph that he didn't like the looks of quite a few on the one side and so surgery took a bit longer as he chose to remove them to be sent to pathology. My nephews don't like the look of their dad's bruised abdomen nor the staples that run down one side of his body - not cool for a 11 & 9 year old. I don't remember spending such good quality time with my sister in years. It was nice to hear about her life and her work at the kids school. They are a close family and I know that the next little while will be tough on them as they wait for the results as to whether or not Steph needs further treatments.
While I was away my dad (he lives in Saskatoon) also started his chemotherapy and had a few complications. He does 2 days (4 - 6 hours each day) of chemo and then he is on 6 pills a day for 4 days. Well on day 2 he took a reaction to the chemo and his blood pressure went to 185 so needless to say the nursing/doctor staff had a bit of a panic trying to get him stable. We know that God is also watching over him and I know that they have a great belief system. They are faithful Catholics and believe that God will be with them every step of the way, just as he was nine years ago when my dad had cancer and 28 years ago when my mom had breast cancer.
So begins another busy week with trying to get caught up with work, my husband and my kids. To all you Father's out there, a very Happy Father's Day!
I was on my five hour flight (direct) from Newark and I'm glad to be home. However, I'm glad that I went there and was with my sister to support them in whatever way I could. My brother-in-law, Steph is home from the hospital and now we are just waiting the results of more bad looking lymph nodes. The surgeon told Steph that he didn't like the looks of quite a few on the one side and so surgery took a bit longer as he chose to remove them to be sent to pathology. My nephews don't like the look of their dad's bruised abdomen nor the staples that run down one side of his body - not cool for a 11 & 9 year old. I don't remember spending such good quality time with my sister in years. It was nice to hear about her life and her work at the kids school. They are a close family and I know that the next little while will be tough on them as they wait for the results as to whether or not Steph needs further treatments.
While I was away my dad (he lives in Saskatoon) also started his chemotherapy and had a few complications. He does 2 days (4 - 6 hours each day) of chemo and then he is on 6 pills a day for 4 days. Well on day 2 he took a reaction to the chemo and his blood pressure went to 185 so needless to say the nursing/doctor staff had a bit of a panic trying to get him stable. We know that God is also watching over him and I know that they have a great belief system. They are faithful Catholics and believe that God will be with them every step of the way, just as he was nine years ago when my dad had cancer and 28 years ago when my mom had breast cancer.
So begins another busy week with trying to get caught up with work, my husband and my kids. To all you Father's out there, a very Happy Father's Day!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I need Prayers & I miss you
Have you ever missed your spouse so much and yet you know where your place is to be? I miss you honey, and yet I know that my place is here with my sister. My brother-in-law, Steph is having his cancer surgery for his prostate and I am here in New Jersey helping my sister out. I pray that God will continue to walk with them while he is undergoing surgery tomorrow. I pray that God will be with me while I wait with my nephews for the outcome of their dad's surgery. Oh God this is where I need you the most to make me strong and be a help and not a needy person. I need to stay strong for all of them. When Steph showed me where all the legal paper work was and the letters that he wrote to each and every one of them, I just wanted to run away and cry. I can't believe this is happening to us...why us??? Please help us through this. I need my husband and family to surround us with whatever the results will be...please I ask anyone reading this to say a prayer for us. The more the better....please I ask of you and God.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Is God in Our Corner?
Do you ever ask yourself if God is in your corner? I know that lately I have been asking that question. With so much family having just been diagnosed with cancer, it makes you wonder. This weekend my grandmother who will be 90 in November, fell and broke her hip. After making a rush trip to Edmonton, we got told that they can put a pin in her hip, but that she might not make it do to her age. You see when people get older and there not mobile, they most likely die from pneumonia or a clot. Well, what kind of hope is that? Both my girls want her around as they grew up with her in their lives and they want her to see her very first great, great grand babies. We pray that God will allow her to continue to allow her time on earth and being part of our lives, but if we listen to the medical folks, we haven't got much hope.
I have to believe that when the doctors told my parents today that my dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma back, that we have to believe that 8 treatments and a 2 year follow up will be enough for him to go back into remission. Was God in our corner while my dad was in remission or will he continue to be there while he goes through this round of chemo?
Will God continue to be in both my girls lives while they go through some medical times with each of their pregnancies? I pray that they both will carry to term and deliver healthy babies and that neither of them will suffer during the delivery or post-delivery. Will God be watching over them during all of these times, I pray he will be.
I pray that my brother-in-law, Steph will have surgery next week and come out of it a healthy man. I pray that God will be there to say that I was just there to help with believing in him and the system for my sister and my nephews. I want to tell them that God is in their corner watching there loved one go through something that shouldn't be happening at his young age.
These questions are part of most folks lives, as I hear it when people are reaching out for help or assurances that there loved ones will be okay. I am hoping that my faith and my families faith will let us to continue believing that God is in our corner and that we can continue praying to him for re-assurance. As I believe in God and all that he stands for. What about you and your families situations, do you believe that God is in your corner?
I have to believe that when the doctors told my parents today that my dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma back, that we have to believe that 8 treatments and a 2 year follow up will be enough for him to go back into remission. Was God in our corner while my dad was in remission or will he continue to be there while he goes through this round of chemo?
Will God continue to be in both my girls lives while they go through some medical times with each of their pregnancies? I pray that they both will carry to term and deliver healthy babies and that neither of them will suffer during the delivery or post-delivery. Will God be watching over them during all of these times, I pray he will be.
I pray that my brother-in-law, Steph will have surgery next week and come out of it a healthy man. I pray that God will be there to say that I was just there to help with believing in him and the system for my sister and my nephews. I want to tell them that God is in their corner watching there loved one go through something that shouldn't be happening at his young age.
These questions are part of most folks lives, as I hear it when people are reaching out for help or assurances that there loved ones will be okay. I am hoping that my faith and my families faith will let us to continue believing that God is in our corner and that we can continue praying to him for re-assurance. As I believe in God and all that he stands for. What about you and your families situations, do you believe that God is in your corner?
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